PM Modi engages in conversation with Iran leader Masoud Pezeshkian urges urgent de-escalation via peaceful talks

Just hours following President Donald Trump’s declaration that US strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s three primary nuclear facilities, Tehran initiated contact with New Delhi. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via phone.
In a post shared on X, Modi mentioned that he conveyed his views “deep concern at the recent escalations” and reiterated India’s call for “dialogue and diplomacy”.
Modi stated that, “I spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
This marked the first conversation between Modi and Pezeshkian since the onset of the conflict. In recent days, India has maintained communication with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone conversation with Modi, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar connected with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar over the past ten days. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi had also previously engaged with Jaishankar, but this call represented a more senior-level diplomatic contact from Tehran.
As per a release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pezeshkian provided Modi with a comprehensive briefing and conveyed his views regarding the current regional developments, particularly the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
PM Modi said, “PM expressed India’s deep concern at the recent escalations. PM conveyed that India was on the side of peace and humanity. In this context, PM emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. He reiterated India’s support for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
“Prime Minister thanked President Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for safe return and repatriation of the Indian community,” it said. “The two leaders reiterated shared commitment to continue to work for strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade and economic cooperation, science & technology and people-to-people ties,” statement noted that both leaders agreed to continue their communication and stay in regular contact.
In October of last year, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Modi met with President Pezeshkian for the first time since his assumption of office in July.
India currently faces a diplomatic challenge amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, given its significant strategic and economic interests with both nations.
India and Iran have collaborated extensively on the development of the Chabahar port, and both nations share common security concerns regarding Pakistan and Afghanistan. Their mutual apprehensions about the treatment of minorities in these neighboring countries have further strengthened their ties. Additionally, they have jointly advanced the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a key initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity and fostering economic cooperation.
The two countries have also partnered in multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where India supported Iran’s inclusion. Delhi also played a part in facilitating Tehran’s entry into the BRICS bloc. India and Iran frequently coordinate on matters related to China and Russia, especially in light of Beijing’s growing influence and strategic engagement with Tehran.
At the same time, India maintains a robust strategic, security, and defense relationship with Israel, adding to the complexity of its diplomatic positioning in the current conflict.